• stylish travellers
• On February 19, 2015

A well-cared for garden, a pool surrounded by palm trees, the sea with fishing boats, and bungalows and villas hidden in the greenery. Complemented with traditional Vietnamese dishes and international menu, hotel Aroma Resort &Spa is the perfect balance between western standards and local beauty of nature and architecture.

Nearly 5 hours in the taxi from airport in Saigon (with an obligatory stop for a Pho soup). In the middle of the night, we arrived at the resort. Without needless formalities and tormenting the guest, we are taken to our room by a melex. Well, to an apartment, actually. In the night we already admire the greenery, which turned out to be even more beautiful by the morning sun.

The idea of Aroma is based on the nature – numerous villas and bungalows are situated among flowers and plants. Between them, in the shape of a labyrinth, there are rock paths. Down there, near the sea, there is a restaurant and a pool. Beds with canopies encourage us to subject to sweet laziness. There is a few places for relax: beds, large beds and round-shaped couches are here for anyone who feels like taking a nap, relaxing or reading a book.
In addition, the beds with sunshades can be found in the beach – it is usually more windy there, so the perceived temperature is a little lower. Mild, long beach is also perfect for jogging or gathering shells (there is a lot of them). Soft, fine-grained sand is also great for long walks in the morning or in the sunset.

The decor of the villa is based on natural elements, and the colours are those of the earth – the elements of bamboo, wooden furniture, or stones next to the bath in the bathroom. Two armchairs and a table on a balcony, with a garden view. The concept of using natural materials doesn’t mean we won’t find any electrical appliances here: the internet, LCD tv, a mini bar or a kettle for preparing tea and coffee – it’s all there.
A nice, interesting solution: the suits with separate living room, balcony with a beach and se garden with jacuzzi.

The real asset of this resort is a Tansy restaurant. The menu is formed in a simple and interesting way, each section (appetizers, soups, main courses) is splitted in Vietnamese propositions and the western ones. In this section, we’ll find not only well-known classics from France (specially prepared steak) or Italy (pastas), but also the dishes of the Thai and Korean cuisine. The last one is really worth trying because the owner – a Korean – is looking after its original taste.
What is worth trying? Fresh spring rolls. It is said that they were adapted by Vietnamese cuisine only a couple of years ago, but served with nut sauce, they are ideally refreshing and filling. Another proposition of ours is a Korean rice with kim chi. Within the main courses, there is also seafood – crevettes with pineapple and nuts are our choice.

For the tourists from all over the word that love the sweets, Aroma has an extraordinary proposition – there is a counter filled with colourful sweets. The Vietnamese (who themselves don’t eat sweets) are very generous: the macarons, pear with caramel and chocolate or creamy cakes are very delicious. And what are holidays for, if not letting yourself for a little sin, to feel like you’re in heaven?

The restaurant is divided into two parts: internal one with wooden tables and chairs and a climatic interior, and the second one: a balcony with tables and a sea view.

How to spend time in the resort? Except of the gym and the library, there is La Spa awaiting for guests. The space itself is very eye-friendly – in the corridor, behind the violet screen, there are beds for massages. Above our heads – lilac lanterns. And here’s the best part for the body: the massage. In our opinion, it is best to choose signature massage – a special massage, which combines different techniques. Another, not worse idea, can be choosing a foot massage – specially prepared half-divans are situated in the exterior, outside the La Spa building.  Thanks to that, we can enjoy a beautiful day and admire plants, while are feet are taken care of. La Spa also offers Happy Hour –  discounts for treatments in the afternoon.

What we liked:

• Proximity of the pool and the sea
• The space designed and taken care of in an interesting way: flowers, palm trees, bushes, waterholes, trunks
• Big villas with balconies, among the greenery
• A pleasant (also for an eye) spa
• The opportunity to try the typical dishes of another Asian cuisines in the restaurant, such as papaya salad or rice with kimch
• The scents based of natural seasonings – for example, in the toilet near the pool we are welcomed by a fresh scent of the lemon grass and cinnamon